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Step into a world where time stands still and your vision of the world is defined by bold strokes of colour and graceful layered waves of texture, all inspired by a seminal Chinese painting from the 12th-Century.
Hotel design inspired by a Chinese calligraphy painting
Considered by art historians as the finest example of Chinese blue-green landscape painting, 'A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains' 《千里江山图》by the 12th-century artist Wang Ximeng (宋代画家, 王希孟) is considered to be one of the nation’s prized cultural treasures.
The 12-Century artist Wang Ximeng was 18 when he painted his most famous work, passing away shortly after at the tender age of 20.
Hotel: Yanbai Villa (雁柏山庄)
Address: 6 Yanqihu North Road Huairou, Beijing 101408, China
(北京怀柔区雁栖湖北路6号)
Price per night: S$955 approx.
Oriental in design, the Yanbai Villa (part of Small Luxury Hotels) also features some chic Western influences.
Bamboo screens allow light to filter through to the interiors.
Coloured tiles resemble a pixelated form of the artwork.
Yanbai Villa, Hotel in North Beijing
While the painting may be the artist’s only surviving work, Ximeng’s legacy can now find an extension through Yanbai Villa, which boasts a unique design inspired by Ximeng’s creation.
Designed by Singapore-based Wimberly Interiors (the interior design studio of the global, industry-leading hospitality and destination design firm WATG), Yanbai Villa in Beijing offers the perfect spot for those in search of solace, a luxurious sanctuary of peace and immersive one-of- a-kind experiences.
Yanbai Villa
Designed by Amateur Architecture Studio
Working alongside renowned Chinese architect and Pritzker Architecture Prize winner, Wang Shu of Amateur Architecture Studio, the team studied Wang Ximeng’s unique ability to mimic three-dimensional forms within 2D paintings and took cues from the artist’s prevalent use of vivid blues and greens against an ochre background – an artistic style called blue-green Shan Shui.
The interior designers also tapped into Wang Shu’s noteworthy transformation of materials from demolished buildings and landscapes into architectural masterpieces.
Merging these two influences into a spectacular statement piece, the feature wall within Yanbai Villa’s reception lobby is a striking, tapestry-like mosaic of stones and tiles recycled from the original site that flows through the gallery and draws guests into a memorable arrival experience.
Clever use of natural materials helps to add a sensual touch to the interiors.
The corridors take on a cream tone to create a soft transition from room to room.
The interiors also feature plenty of Chinese artworks in traditional and contemporary
Full-length glass panels allow both interior and exterior to merge harmoniously.
Winding Corridors
“To ensure an all-encompassing sensory experience, each space is carefully curated through a balanced play of visuals, lighting, proportion, colour and textural contrasts,” said Deepu Mahboobani, Managing Principal in Wimberly Interiors’ Singapore studio.
“Beckoning guests in, a grand wooden ceiling structure is suspended in the arrival area and connects the stunning outdoor setting to the dramatic interior. Then, as they continue from public spaces to their private retreats, guests will traverse winding corridors and encounter pleasant surprises as well as moments of contemplation, all capturing the essence of Yanbai Villa.”
Straight lines keep the architecture of the villa simple yet enthralling.
The villa’s immersive design create fluid spaces.
Hotel Interior Design
Decorative elements like starburst marquetry, handmade glazed tiles, and highly curated art make subtle appearances but are approached with refinement and elegance.
Dim intimate lighting evokes a sense of mystery and softness, in contrast with the bold, geometric elements found throughout the hotel. And in the dining rooms, timber, marble, and glass are accented by brass and earthy tones, emphasizing the sophistication of simplicity and celebrating natural materials.
The natural palette continues in the guestrooms, with brushed timber, textural granite tone, custom furniture, generous bathtubs, and, of course, breath-taking views.